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Dec 6, 2020
** this contains vague spoilers**
This is probably one of the most refreshing manga/webcomic I've read.
Something I had repeatedly struggled with when searching for romance is finding one that does not fall into the problematic tropes and scenarios which are tiresomely overplayed with toxic behaviors brushed under the rug or normalized. Having exhausted my list of romance to read, I didn't have much interest when I started this series. What I did not expect was for this comic to be such a roller coaster ride of enjoyment.
The boss is always degrading his subordinates and just a super misogynistic, narcissistic, and overall, an unpleasant person who
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spews a ton of bull that unfortunately are still the kinds of outdated views you will see in social media comments. For instance, he had honed on one coworker's insecurity calling her an inferior for getting plastic surgery, degraded another for being a working mother, ridicule one for having gone to a community college, and got in a drunk rant about how women always think themselves the victim and are too privileged in their rights.
The story involves these time loops to prevent his death by people cursing him to die because of his terrible attitude which could stop if he becomes a good person.
What I love most about this comic is how social issues regarding women are seen and addressed when almost all that I have read fails to. The main character calls out her date on his unintentionally sexist view that women would not enjoy math or science related topics. She gets frustrated at the tired belief that a woman should just absorb the man's out lashes and try to heal him and her friends in turn get concerned when they misunderstood and thought she was in that sort of relationship. Although their appearances are infrequent, they are shown to be really supportive of each other. There are no absurd love triangles or jealousy from them.
The second best thing is just how damn funny this comic is. Although many may not enjoy it, I love metafiction with references to the author and self-awareness as a story. It is full of real-life pop culture and event references with one chapter very directly basing on Back to the Future. There are times when the humor does get too far fetched and starts to hinder the story and its progression but is overall very enjoyable. The story itself is full of twists and turns that made me binge the whole thing in one night, trading sleep for closure.
I was worried how this manga would progress hoping all its feminist beliefs arent suddenly tossed out the window for the sake of romance and plot (as one awful manga I've read had done) and was relieved to find that they remain intact. One slight issue I have with the comic is how unrealistic it can come off, which of course, should be expected from a time loop series but there is still a sense of realism with the boss's character and belief systems that is not something that can easily be changed. The webtoon makes a great point on who is a good person and how subjective that is yet even if he becomes more considerate, it is hard to believe all his deep-seated misogyny and looking down on others is gone as well, though it is unclear whether or not he changed in those departments in the end.
My final score is more like an 8.5 but I'm rounding up because I am just so happy to read a comic that gets it right and acknowledges certain issues. This is a great comic that I can recommend to anyone who is also tired of problematic behaviors that are normalized in media.
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
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Mar 20, 2018
Although I am not very well adept in the troupes of shounen manga, I feel like this one stands out from most in two ways.
Many of the charatcers are fairly generic; theres a happy go lucky booze lover with big boobs, a pervert, a tsundere, a scatterbrain, a macho, a kuudere, and the main character is your pretty average opptimistic boy with loads of potential.
One of the reasons this does stand out is the plot. Most main characters' objective is something self beneficial, Luffy wants to get One Piece, Naruto wants to be Houkage, Gon wants to be a Hunter and find his dad,
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etc. I suppose you can say Tatsumi wants to avenge his friends but it boils down to overthrowing the government to free the people.
Another reason is the romance. I expected there to be romance but had figured it would be with the two central characters (as usual), Akame and Tatsumi, however they are not the ones that end up together. Although that reasoning seems trivial, I found the fact that they don't end up together really refreshing.
But what really made this manga exceed my expectation and stand out from most shounen manga, though I may be wrong, is how there is sacrifice.
Most of the characters we were introduced to dies in the end or if they didn't, had to make permanent sacrifices for power. Yeah I know that in many other action shounen manga, there are deaths of key figures, but none to the extent of Agame ga Kill. Most of the times when you think a character had died, they end up miraculously being ok. While AgK does have those moments, off the top of my head, I can think of maybe 4 incidents where that happens (?), but in the end, 3 of those time where they survived/resurrects they end up actually dying. And then those who manage to survive, half of them made permanent sacrifices to gain the power needed to defeat the enemy.
These three main differences fleshed out through this manga really sets it apart, making it a more engaging read, that i really recommend
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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Mar 6, 2018
Im just going to cut to the chase with this review and focus mainly in the problems I had rather than a long fleshed out review.
Pros:
- tons of strong female characters (Moonyoung and Daldal best girls!)
- great action scenes (most are the same with misogynistic dudes thinking they're hot stuff only to have there fragile pride shattered)
- funny characters
- it's a mild harem, theres really only 2 love rivals
- for the plot I would expect it to be an ecchi but it is not at all
- its a webtoon so its COLORED
Cons:
- many things not given a proper ending (like what happened to Queen's
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fiancé dude who ig gave up and hysung's bullies who ig never managed to get a gang together again, and many more characters who you just have to assume they're ok in the end)
- lackluster protagonists (sorry Jaegu and Queen but you both are boring af and lack character development, maybe its good you guys end up together bc you're both super passive and boring people)
- awkwardly placed love in ending:
I felt like the authors struggled to find a balance between love and action. The arcs were there were fights were great and I thoroughly enjoyed them however it fell short on being romantic. With Daldal, I can totally see her devotion and her character as a badass fighter and a maiden in love really shone through perfectly but I cannot say the same of Queen. I feel like there were not enough scenes of Queen and Jaegu together and there is a lack of chemistry. they were barely around each other unlike Daldal and Jaegu and even Moonyoung who were constantly around each other, and when they were together, they didn't even talk with each other and they somehow fell in love with each other??? 260 chapters later and i don't really understand Queen's character, she wasn't as developed as the other characters and frankly lacks personality, the side characters have more personality than her! And Jaegu while he does have a character is just so stupid he doesn't take action and is oblivious to everything. i had thought that when he started learning boxing from Moonyoung and stand up to his bullies that he's changed but naw, he just stays meek and passive in and just goes with the flow of things especially in love until the last chapter because he has to so the manghwa can end.
Reviewer’s Rating: 7
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Dec 18, 2017
This manga is actually more of a high 6 for me than a 7.
The plot itself is pretty good but too much happens and while it doesn't really feel rushed, it feels condensed and some plot points were not nicely tied together in the end.
The art is alright, nothing impressive but not too shabby either. The characters all have a distinct look to tell them apart from each other
The biggest downfall of this manga are the characters. There were too many and I feel like the story could function the same with them removed. There are at least 4 that I can remember that could
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be removed and nothing would change. The guards that are totally useless. There can only be 2 princes in La Naan instead of 3 and it will still go smoothy. Lucy, Yuujel's friend was completely useless. There are probably more characters that can me removed but those are the ones I van think of off the top of my head.
Not to mention the character development sucks. The only character who seems to grow as a person is Duzell. Ishtar remains unchanged, she doesnt get any more mature, she is shown as compassionate but she also seems to completely disregard her country, not taking the time to learn politics, history, or even spells.
And don't even get me started on Darres. Who even is he?! The first couple of volumes he seems alright, you get to see his inner thoughts and feelings but all the later volumes pratically throws that out the window. Im just going to put it out there *SPOILER BUT NOT BECAUSE WHO DIDNT SEE IT COMING FROM A MILE AWAY* that he ends up with Ishtar. But it seems that he doesnt even really love Ishtar. It is clear that he cares for her but there are no signs of him actually feeling romantic love for her and it seems as if he only complies and accepts her because she loves him.
phelios despite being a major character in this story,we learn nothing about. We do not see any of his past or thoughts or anything which would be nice because he IS a central character and without any background on him the story seems incomplete. There is not even really any scenes of Phelios and Duzell's past together though you would think there should be . we know theres a past but we dont really see or hear any of it so the whole drama they have seem pointless.
Reviewer’s Rating: 7
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Aug 25, 2017
This is a comedic short manga that is perfect for a little manga break when you dont have the time to read something long. The story is pretty light hearted however the deeper meaning is beautifully portrayed. In a short span, you see the characters grow and develop, helping each other out of the dark along the way. Shirou and Mei balance each other out and inspire each other to try their hardest, being the best they can be. The story does not leave much room for dissatisfaction although the ending may not exactly be what readers may have hope for. The art is beautifully
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drawn helping evoke a feeling of fondness and empathy for the characters.
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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Aug 14, 2017
although the plot seemed interesting, i was hesitant to read it because it was a 4-koma. Generally speaking, im not a huge fan of story lines that do not have a linear sequence of events, but are instead made up of what will be "fillers" in a standard manga/anime.
However, this manga caught me by surprise by being actually quite enjoyable. If I were to compare it to another work, it would be most similar to the format of Gintama in the way that there is not really much of a linear story but does have important story arcs spread across the span of the story
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and subjects/characters that may seem unimportant at first but grows to be important later.
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One of the things that makes this manga unique other than being a 4-koma is the relationship between the main characters, Takana and Reina. They cut right into the chase being a couple and do not have chapters of stalling or conflicts of "do i like him/her"?
It differs from other shoujo manga by having them star as a perfect couple. They help each other grow, are open with one another, and are supportive and trusting of one another. They do not argue out of jealousy for a love rival, feel the urge to own one another, or make each other feel insecure.
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The typical shoujo gender roles are also somewhat reversed. Reina is a strong, independent, violent lead, contrasting the usual clingy, insecure, crybaby of a female protagonist. If anything she resembles the usual male protagonist being rash, cocky, and arrogant.
On the other hand, Tanaka is passive, kind, and smart. Honestly there's not much to say about him and his strongest quality is his love for Reina and his gramps. He has his fair share of trouble which ends up being a large part of the story towards the end.
The other characters are all fun and and adds a lot to the story's entertainment value.
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The art is simple but it fits the light heartiness of this manga perfectly.
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The manga was a bit hard to read since there are two versions and you have to go back and forth between the two so you dont miss anything. But every chapter is worth it.
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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Jun 28, 2017
I am uncertain whether to give this manga a 6or 7. I decided on 6 because while I really like the ending enough to bump it up a bit, it still didn't make up for everything else. The manga is simply really basic (if anything to make it different, more abusive). It's a combination of typical archetypes and story arcs. It has the overnight hot springs chapter, the "are they cheating on each other?" chapter, the field trip chapter, heck even the area of their field trip is generic: Kyoto/Hokkaido, and other common scenes that you find in other manga. And nothing is done differently.
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That could slide if it was still a fun cute shoujo, but in addition, the main reason I wanted to give it a 6 was the characters. The whole review will basically be a critical view on the character because most everything else like the art nice but not amazing. For plot, just read the MAL description, it sums it up nicely enough to go in depth about it.
Before I start bashing the characters however. I gotta question the title, to the end I don't understand how she's a wolf girl. I had expected that to mean that she has the personality associated with one. But other than loyalty to Sata, not really. My second guess is that she is like a wolf in sheep's clothing type of person but other than lying about a boyfriend, also not really. My only guess now is that the author was trying to shift the animal to be a wolf, a type of dog, as oppose to straight up title her as a dog which would easily lead to the interpretation that she is a b****.
Shinohara Erika is your typical shounen character girl. She is extremely basic, and has little to none redeeming qualities that makes her any different from the model: an air-headed, gluttonous, happy go lucky with her heads in the clouds. As an added bonus thats not uncommon for the main female lead, she is also comes off as self centered, whiny, and a crybaby. It's questionable why most female leads seems to be this type, as if that's the standard for being a girl to be able of get a guy?? Do manga artists just believe that type to be the ideal woman, since no matter the type of guy is the lead is, that's usually the type the lead girl is??? Not only until the later chapters when the typical (and important) career counseling/college decisions arc came did I finally start to respect and appreciate Erika. I finally was able to connect with her as a character. For once she started acting more serious and mature, and maybe I'm biased because her decision is something along the same category of what I plan on pursuing (no spoilers!), I can really feel and empathize with her passion, and her as a person.
The main male lead Sata is not much better, some of his actions can be... eyebrow-raising. That's not an ok relationship. However you look at it, some of the stuff Sato say are not ok. I get Sato is trying to defend Erika and protect her but the things he say which are supposed to sound cool are actually quite misogynistic and/or patronizing. Think about it, in a real life situation would you really be happy and swoon over a boyfriend who says "[insert your name here] belongs to me. What she wants doesn't matter. Get my approval if you want her." and then later tell you "Don't ever concern yourself with another guy from now on. You only need to look at me" ... I'm sorry what? Excuse me? Going out with someone does not make you your significant's other possession to boss around like that. The stuff Sato say sound like what would be an abusive and manipulative relationship in real life. And again, like with Erika, I was a bit critical of him and only started really accepting him much later in the story. In his case, at the end of the university arc.
Don't get me wrong. I didn't read this manga hating the characters the whole time; there were plenty of sweet moments but that clashes with their words and actions to each other at other times which makes me question if it is really a good relationship.
Sanda, Erika's best friend is quite typical as well, being the cool, understanding, mature best friend that only exist to help progress the story and show the readers that Erika actually have friends (unlike some manga that doesn't really show the lead's friends at all.) Ironically, that typical best friend type is honestly whom I would rather have as the main character. Erika's other two girl friends seems to have been tossed out the window and are only reeled back in when needed to season the story. Nothing special about Kamiya either, a playboy who later sees the beauty of a real relationship after he friends Sata and Erika. And he orchestrates a large portion of their conflicts and misunderstanding.
Reviewer’s Rating: 6
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Apr 30, 2017
this is a truly amazing manga with a score range of 8s and 9s. the manga is very interesting and gives insight into the manga world, giving readers a newfound sense of awe and respect for all the work and dedication that goes into the pieces we are reading.
the story concept for bakuran was really refreshing and different from other series i've read. however, i'm not sure if it is just me or not but it took me a while to read. this is not that lengthy of a manga compared to some others ive read, (the longest being over 500
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chapters long) but i paced out the reading a considerable amount. despite this being a great manga, i had to put it down and take a break from it multiple times, i would say that it is too much to try to read this continuously. it's not quite that the manga gets bad or boring at times, but i just do not feel like i want to continue reading it at the moment. a few days later i would resume reading and FLY past the pages and chapters, unable to put the manga down. i repeated this reading_on hold_reading-again spikes for a course of 3 weeks when i could have easily finished it in a little over a week. perhaps because the manga was too intense for me that i had to read it in this cycle.
many of the manga concepts introduced in the manga really struck me as something i would love to read such as money & intelligence, classroom of truth, detective trap, and reversi (ig dark manga like the ones shujin write is my taste lol), i also was quite interested in fukuda's series and would have like to read those as well.
when i first read the manga, the art (and the plots of the dark stories shujin comes up with) struck me as being familiar so i did some research believing that it may possibly be by the same creator as a favorite series of mine, Liar Game. it wasnt; however it was by the same creators of Death Note which explains a lot and while i never got into death note, i do acknowledge it as being a decent piece.
one thing i really love about this manga is how different art styles are used throughout to show different artists' styles in their manga series. i really love the pointillism nakai used for aoki's manga, and nakai's art in general, too bad with what became of his character... ( aannnddd transition onto next point w/o giving anything else away)
for characters, i was on the fence whether that should deserve a 9 or an 8. i feel like there are too many characters and some being somewhat unnecessarily and detracting, there was not enough time to fully develop all the characters nor would i feel the readers, myself included, would really care if some were never in the picture to begin with. many of the side characters who are important throughout the manga became ghost characters towards the end, only appearing briefly as to remind readers that they exist, this goes for much of team Fukuda.
nonetheless i thoroughly enjoyed this manga with little room for complaints, any complaints i have being minuscule.
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
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Mar 29, 2017
This manga is such a hidden gem! It's been a long time since I really felt this happy reading a romance due to the amount I've read.
This manga is near perfection. The story is original and concise. It stayed on course with its main plot and never strays from it. There are many instances in the manga where I felt quite emotional, especially with the stories with Floran.
I love the connection that is made reflecting reality, that sometimes the best pairings are of the same sex, and it is not genetics, that's just how it is. How they are rare but still common
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enough in this manga, like how homosexuality is also the minority but still prevalent. I also really like how this manga does not follow the hardcore uke-seme (s&m) relationship archetype. It keeps it real. They are not some fantasized ideal of a homosexual relationship but something that can be replaced with a heterosexual relationship and still seem just as sweet. I give the mangaka massive props for not making this one of those homosexualized 50 shades of grey manga.
Art, decent. This has the lowest rating for me (7), it's not bad but nothing astounding either.
The characters were excellent and everyone had a fair share of time. I like how the two main characters (Rael and Alexi) were not the only stars of the story but the side characters as well got their fair share of screen time. It shows the relationship between other pairs as well which works really well for the type of manga this is.
I had thoroughly enjoyed this manga. he only thing holding it back from a 10 is the decent but not amazing art and how I wish it is be a little longer. The chapters does not really flow well, as it skips from main characters to sub characters and then back to main but slightly older. There is some gap with the story of the main, although I know nothing big really happen between them, I would still like to see more of their cute relationship. Also at least one lesbian couple would have been a nice addition.
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
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Mar 19, 2017
If you are reading this review, then you probably read the ones before this and know the general discontent felt. Like most others, i gotta say i am quite conflicted with this manga. I really liked the coming of age, raising a baby, story that this manga started out as. Similar mangas are Aishiteruze Baby and Love So Life. If the manga had remained like this, i would have happily gave it an 8. Then chapter 25+ happened, where there is a 10 year time skip. I wouldnt mind her growing to a high schooler over the course of the manga, but the time skip
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is completely random and seem out of place in a way. Instead of a full transition, some of the manga chapters flashed back to Rin's middle school and elementary self. Rin started being the main character, and Daikichi less of the main. I disliked the change, but even so, I would have still gave it an 8.
What broke the manga for me was Rin's romance with Daikichi, it's most likely not a spoiler to you at this point, so I wont bother to sensor it as so. That plot twist just brought the manga down to a 6. Out of fondness for child Rin and Daikichi, im letting it be a 7. Rin starts developing an Electra complex for Daikichi, who in the end, accepts her feelings even though he does not quite feel the same way, out of inabilty to refuse Rin. Im fairly liberal, but large age gaps relationships are still not something I feel comfortable with, especially if it calls to auestion how different is familial love compared to a normal romantic love.
As basic as it would be, i did ship Daikichi with Kouki's mother. Rin and Koichi being together would make it more basic and I actually would prefer not but i way prefer it to the Rin and zkoichi relationship.
So in all? I would not recommend this unless large age gap relationships are your thing.
Reviewer’s Rating: 7
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